The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 15, 2003
Filed:
May. 02, 2000
Qinetiq Limited, London, GB;
Abstract
An infra-red imaging system has two variable focal length optical components ( ) whose positions are fixed relative to one another. The system also comprises an image detector ( ). Control means ( ) is provided such that the focal length of one of the variable focal length optical components ( ) can be varied in relation to the focal length of the other variable focal length optical component ( ). The system can be used to produce an image of variable magnification while maintaining an in-focus image at the detector ( ). The control means ( ) may comprise a mechanical linkage, an electronic circuit, or a computer program. In an alternative embodiment the optical system is a beam expander. Controlling a focusing mirror can achieve a dither effect. Controlling a focusing mirror can also de-focus the image, giving a mean scene temperature evaluation.